Organized Backpack

ABSTRACT

A survival backpack system includes a main bag, and a pair of shoulder straps for mounting the main bag on a user&#39;s shoulders. The system includes a plurality of gear packs, all the same size, and each containing a different type of survival gear. The main bag forms a plurality of gear compartments, each slightly larger than each of the plurality of gear packs, each of the plurality of gear compartments being accessible through an opening in the top panel. A hydration compartment is accessible through an opening in the bottom panel, the hydration compartment being sized and shaped to receive a hydration pack therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application for a utility patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/123,072, filed Dec. 9, 2020.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field Of The Invention

This invention relates generally to backpacks and survival gear, and more particularly to a modular survival backpack system for storing a plurality of gear packs containing survival essentials

Description of Related Art

Prior art survival backpacks are typically standard backpacks which are simply filled with a variety of survival-related products, such as food, water, shelter, and similar products necessary for survival. There is a need for a more modular pack system that enable the user to swap multiple survival packages quickly and easily, depending upon his or her needs at the moment.

The present invention includes a backpack and may also include other forms of packs (e.g., a hip pack, and/or other forms of bags and packs) which may be selected and interconnected to change the amount of survive gear carried. The backpack and other packs each have a plurality of gear compartments that form a modular design that enables a user to custom select different configurations of gear packs, which are all the same size, and each contain a different type of survival gear.

The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further advantages as described in the following summary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.

The present invention provides a survival backpack system that includes a main bag, and a pair of shoulder straps for mounting the main bag on a user's shoulders. The system includes a plurality of gear packs, all the same size, and each containing a different type of survival gear. The main bag forms a plurality of gear compartments, each slightly larger than each of the plurality of gear packs, each of the plurality of gear compartments being accessible through an opening in the top panel. A hydration compartment is accessible through an opening in the bottom panel, the hydration compartment being sized and shaped to receive a hydration pack therein.

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a survival backpack system having advantages not taught by the prior art.

Another objective is to provide a survival backpack system that is modular is configuration, having a plurality of gear packs containing survival items which can interchangeably be mounted in a plurality of gear compartments formed in the pack.

A further objective is to provide a survival backpack system that includes a backpack and may further include a plurality of separate bags, which may be included, excluded, joined, or otherwise configured to meet the needs of the user in different survival situations.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.\

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a main bag of a survival backpack system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the main bag, showing a portion of the main bag broken away to illustrate a plurality of gear compartments of the main bag;

FIG. 3 is rear plan view of the main bag;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the main bag;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the main bag, showing another portion of the main bag broken away to illustrate additional gear lower compartments of the main bag;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hip bag of the survival backpack system;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the hip bag of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a person wearing the fully constructed survival backpack system;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first aid kit of the hip bag;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the first aid kit in an open configuration;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a survival kit of the hip bag; and

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the survival kit in an open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a survival backpack system for storing a plurality of gear packs containing survival essentials. The backpack system is essentially modular is configuration, having a plurality of gear packs containing different survival items which can interchangeably be mounted in a plurality of gear compartments formed in the pack. The survival backpack system may also include one or more additional bags or packs, which may be joined or otherwise configured to meet the needs of the user in different survival situations.

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a survival backpack system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a main bag 20 of the system 10 includes a proximal panel 22 b which will abut the back of the user while being worn, and a distal panel 22 a (best shown in FIG. 2) which is opposite the proximal panel 22 b. These panels 22 a and 22 b are separated by a pair of side panels 23, a top panel 24 a, and a bottom panel 24 b.

The main bag 20 further may include a pair of shoulder straps 30 for supporting the main bag 20 on the back of the user. In this embodiment, the pair of shoulder straps 30 are attached to the proximal panel 22 b of the main bag 20, one end adjacent the top panel 24 a and the other end adjacent the bottom panel 24 b; however, in other embodiments, the pair of shoulder straps 30 may be attached to the main bag 20 at any point(s) suitable for carrying the survival backpack system 10 on a user's shoulders.

As shown in FIG. 1, the shoulder straps 30 may include a variety of useful survival features. In this embodiment, the shoulder strap 30 includes a GPS tracker device 31 attached to a middle portion of the shoulder strap 30 via a fastener 31 a (e.g., hooks and loops fastener, or any other fastener known in the art) or otherwise housed in or on one of the pair of shoulder straps 30. A mobile phone sleeve 32 may also be mounted on the shoulder strap 30 for housing a personal electronic device, or any other features desired by the manufacturer. The sleeve 32 may include a charging cord 32 a which may pass through an aperture 32 b in the sleeve 32. The cord 32 a may be on the outside of the bag 20, or at least portions of it may also be integrated into the bag 20 for protecting the cord 32 a from damage or becoming snagged on environmental hazards. The charging cord 32 a may be operably connected to a battery for charging the phone, and this is discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid conduit 33 may be attached to one of the pair of shoulder straps 30 so that a mouthpiece 33 a may be readily accessible to the user for drinking from a hydration pack (as discussed below) while the survival backpack system 10 is mounted on the shoulders of the user.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, a pair of waist straps 26 are attached to the main bag 20 adjacent the bottom panel 24 b for securing around the user's hips and/or waist. The pair of waist straps 26 may each comprise a padded portion 25 adjacent the main bag 20, and a strap portion 28 extending from the padded portion 25 that joins the opposite strap portion 28 around the user's hips/waist. The pair of waist straps 26 may include any features compatible with the backpack system 10 (e.g., an adjustment mechanism, fastener, padding, etc.), which should be considered within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the pair of waist straps 26 are adapted to be folded inwardly, shown in FIG. 4 and discussed further below. In alternative embodiments, the pair of waist straps 26 may be excluded from the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, one or more openings 35 are provided in the top panel 24 a, closable by fasteners 36, in this case zippers, for accessing compartments described below. Additional zippered openings 39 and ## may also be provided, as discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the main bag 20, showing a portion of the main bag 20 broken away to illustrate a plurality of gear compartments 34 of the main bag 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of gear compartments 34 are adapted to contain a plurality of corresponding gear packs 60, which may contain survival essentials (a.k.a., the “Ten Essentials”), as discussed below. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, each of the plurality of gear compartments 34 is accessible through one of the opening 35 in the top panel 24 a, discussed above, and may be formed by the proximal panel 22 b and/or one or more divider walls 38. They may extend from side wall 23 to side wall 23, or they may be further separated (as shown) by a middle divider 38 a).

Each of the gear compartments 34 is sized and shaped to receive and contain one of the plurality of gear packs 60. To facilitate this, each of the plurality of gear packs 60 is the same size, and each contains a different type of survival gear. In this embodiment, each of the gear compartments 34 is a cuboid structure that is slightly larger than the size of one of the gear packs 60. Slightly larger is defined to be no more than 10% larger, so that the gear pack 60 can be readily inserted and removed, but not so much larger that space is wasted and the gear packs 60 are not securely held in their proper location. Four gear packs 60 are shown in this embodiment (medical bag, toiletries bag, survival bag, and valuables bag); however, different numbers of gear packs 60 may be included, and the user may select alternative bags to include in his or her particular carry.

A supplemental zipper 39 may be included to allow access to a fifth compartment 40, located between the divider walls 38 and the distal panel 22 a of the main bag 20. In this embodiment, the fifth compartment 40 is being used to store a raincoat 16 (or similar item such as a poncho, ground sheet, etc., or other form of survival gear).

A storage zippered opening 90 allows access to a free storage space 92 located between the fifth compartment 40 and the distal panel 22 a. This space remains empty of survival gear, so that the user may store and carry additional items beyond his or her immediate survival gear.

As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the distal panel 22 a of the main bag 20 may further include a detachable food storage bag 42 attached by fasteners 43 (in this case also zippers, although any fasteners known in the art may be used. The food storage bag 42 may be used to store food, and it is shown detached in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the distal panel 22 a of the main bag 20 may include a solar bank 80 that includes a solar panel 82 operably connected with a battery 83. The battery 83 may include one or more charging ports 84 which may operably engage the charging cord 32 a for charging the mobile phone located in the mobile phone sleeve 32 discussed above. Additional features may also be included, such as a water bottle side pocket, a keychain loop, additional flaps/pockets, etc.

FIG. 3 is rear plan view of the main bag 20 of the survival backpack system 10. As shown in FIG. 3 and discussed above, a bottom sheet 27 may be provided capable of folding up to contain and cover the waist straps 26 shown in FIG. 1, so that the straps 26 may be covered so that they are not in the way while not in use (such as, for example, if the main bag 20 is being used in conjunction with the waist pack, as discussed below). The bottom sheet 27 may be is fastened in place with fasteners 27 a (in this case zippers), and extends to a top edge 27 b which is a width W that is large enough to cover the waist straps 26 (shown in FIG. 1).

The proximal panel 22 b of the bag 20 may further include an aperture 37 above the bottom sheet 27, preferably adjacent the top panel 24 a, for enabling the liquid conduit 33 to exit the main bag 20 to make the liquid conduit 33 accessible to the user while the bag 20 is being worn. This enables the user to drink from the hydration pack 46 (shown in FIG. 5, and discussed below) while wearing the bag 20.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the main bag 20 of the survival backpack system 10. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the main bag 20 further comprises a first zippered opening 100 adjacent the proximal panel 22 b, a second zippered opening 102, and a third zippered opening 104 closest to the distal panel 22 a, with the second being located between the first and third. Each of the zippered openings 100, 102, 104, extend laterally substantially traversing between each of the side panels 23. For purposes of this application, the term “zippered opening” is defined to include closable openings that include zippers or any other forms of closures known in the art. The zippered openings 100, 102, 104 allow access to various lower compartments, as discussed below with reference to FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the bottom panel 24 b includes a first mounting mechanism 49 (in this case a zipper) that is adapted for attachment to a second mounting mechanism 51 of a hip bag 50, the hip bag 50 being shown in FIGS. 6-8 and discussed in greater detail below. In this embodiment, the first mounting mechanism 49 is in the form of a first perimeter zipper fixed to or adjacent the bottom panel 24 b of the main bag 20 for attachment to a second perimeter zipper of the hip bag 50. Obviously, in alternative embodiments, the mounting mechanism 49/51 may be any mechanism suitable for attaching the hip bag 50 to the main bag 20 (e.g., hook and loop fasteners, other form of seal, clip, button, etc.), and is not limited to the example shown herein.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the survival backpack system 10, showing a portion of the main bag 20 broken away to illustrate a plurality of bottom compartments 44. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the plurality of bottom compartments 44 include a hydration compartment 107 accessible through the first opening 100 in the bottom panel 24 b (shown in FIG. 4). The hydration compartment 107 is formed between the proximal panel 22 b and a first lower divider 106, and contains a hydration pack 108 that contains water (and which may be operably connected to the liquid conduit 33 shown in FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the hydration pack 46 may dispense liquid via another means, e.g., a spout/faucet on the main bag 20, or the user may access the hydration pack 108 through the bottom panel 24 b or other part of the main body to drain and refill fluid. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the hydration pack 46 includes a filter so the user may refill the hydration pack to filter the liquid.

The plurality of bottom compartments 44 may further include a second and third compartments 111, 115 accessible through the second and third openings 102, 104 in the bottom panel 24 b (shown in FIG. 4). The second and third compartments 111, 115 are formed between the first lower divider 106 and the distal panel 22 a, and may contain additional gear, in this case, a laptop case 112 and an article of bedding 116 (e.g., hammock, sleeping bag, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 5, the food storage bag 42 may be removably attached to the main bag 20 via a securing mechanism 43, e.g., zipper, hooks and loops fasteners, or any other suitable form of securing mechanism. In various embodiments, the food storage bag 42 may include features such as an insulating liner (not shown), inner and/or outer pockets, various means of opening, etc., or any other desired features known in the art.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the hip bag 50 of the survival backpack system. As described above, the hip bag 50 may have the second mounting mechanism 51, in this case a perimeter zipper fixed to or adjacent a top surface 52 of the hip bag 50. As discussed below, this enables the hip bag 50 to be removably attached to the main bag 20.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the hip bag 50 further comprises a distal surface 53 a and a proximal surface 53 b separated by a pair of side surfaces 54, the top surface 52, and a bottom surface 55. In this embodiment, the hip bag 50 also includes a pair of hip straps 56 attached to the hip bag 50 for mounting the hip bag 50 on the user's hips, which may be used while the waist straps 26 of the main bag 20 are in the folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, or when the hip bag 50 is worn separately from the main bag 20.

As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the hip bag 50 further includes a charger component 57, in this embodiment a solar bank similar to the one described above, for charging various devices (i.e., via a USB port or similar). In some embodiments, the solar charger 57 may also function to provide power to lights attached to the hip bag 50. Alternatively, pre-charged batteries may be used to power any of the features on the hip bag 50 and/or the main bag 20.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the hip bag 50 of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the hip bag 50 may further comprise a plurality of additional gear compartments 58, each the same size or larger than one of the gear packs 60, each of the plurality of gear compartments 58 being accessible through an opening in the top surface 52 of the hip bag 50. In this manner, the hip bag 50 and the main bag 20 may be used separately to contain the plurality of gear packs 60.

FIG. 8 illustrates a person wearing the fully constructed survival backpack system 10. As shown in FIG. 8, the hip bag 50 may be attached to the main bag 20 for optimal transportation. As described above, the hip bag 50 may have the first mounting mechanism 49 adjacent the bottom panel 24 b of the main bag 20, and the second mounting mechanism 51 adjacent the top surface of the hip bag 50, so that the hip bag 50 and the main bag 20 may be removably joined together for both being worn by the user. As illustrated, the pair of hip straps 56 of the hip bag 50 may be adapted to fold inwardly while not in use, similar to as described for the pair of waist straps 26.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first aid kit 62 of the survival backpack system 10, and FIG. 10 is a plan view of the first aid kit 62 in an open configuration. As shown in FIGS. 9-10, in this embodiment, the first aid kit 62 may comprise a generally rectangular main body 64 that is openable to allow access to a plurality of receiving spaces 66 for various first aid items 68. In other embodiments, however, the first aid kit 62 may be a different shape than this, and further may be of a rigid or flexible material. The first aid items 68 may be any items desired in a first aid/medical kit, e.g., bandages, tweezers, heating packs, sanitizing wipes, etc., or any other first aid items suitable for this type of product.

In various embodiments, the first aid kit 62, and/or any of the plurality of gear packs 60, may be constructed in a wide range of sizes and dimensions/shapes, and may be openable via any means, and store the first aid items in any form of receiving space or retaining component. Furthermore, the first aid kit 62 and/or any of the plurality of gear packs 60 may include a range of indicia or ornamental designs not limited to those illustrated herein.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a survival kit 70 of the survival backpack system 10; and FIG. 12 is a plan view of the survival kit 70 in an open configuration. As shown in FIGS. 11-12, in this embodiment, the survival kit 70 may comprise a generally rectangular rigid main body 72 that is openable to allow access to a plurality of receiving spaces 74 adapted to retain survival-related items 76. As described above, the survival kit 70 may alternatively be constructed in alternative shapes, sizes, and materials.

As shown in FIG. 12, the survival kit 70 may include a variety of different survival-related items 76, e.g., a knife, a bottle opener, a fishing set, a compass, a flashlight, a lighter, etc., or any other items determined optimal by the manufacturer. As previously mentioned, while two examples of gear packs 60 are shown and described herein, it should be understood that a large number of potential gear packs 60 may be implemented within the scope of the present invention. For example, a toiletries bag, a valuables bag, a cycling bag, an aquatics bag, a hiking bag, etc. or any other type of bag/pack, being limited only to the imagination of the user.

The title of the present application, and the claims presented, do not limit what may be claimed in the future, based upon and supported by the present application. Furthermore, any features shown in any of the drawings may be combined with any features from any other drawings to form an invention which may be claimed.

As used in this application, the words “a,” “an,” and “one” are defined to include one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. The terms “approximately” and “about” are defined to mean ±10%, unless otherwise stated. Also, the terms “have,” “include,” “contain,” and similar terms are defined to mean “comprising” unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the terminology used in the specification provided above is hereby defined to include similar and/or equivalent terms, and/or alternative embodiments that would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art given the teachings of the present patent application. While the invention has been described with reference to at least one particular embodiment, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the scope of the invention is defined by claims made to the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A survival backpack system adapted to be worn on a user's back and shoulders, the survival backpack system comprising: a main bag having a proximal panel, a panel, separated by a pair of side panels, a top panel, and a bottom panel; a pair of shoulder straps attached to the main bag for mounting the main bag on the shoulders of the user; a plurality of gear packs, all the same size, and each containing a different type of survival gear; a plurality of gear compartments, each the slightly larger than each of the plurality of gear packs, each of the plurality of gear compartments being accessible through an opening in the top panel; a hydration pack; and a hydration compartment accessible through an opening in the bottom panel, the hydration compartment being sized and shaped to receive the hydration pack therein.
 2. The survival backpack system of claim 1, further comprising: a hip bag having a proximal surface, a distal surface, separated by a pair of side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a pair of waist straps attached to the hip bag for mounting the hip bag on the user's hips; and a plurality of additional gear compartments, each the same size or larger than one of the gear packs, each of the plurality of gear compartments being accessible through an opening in the top surface.
 3. The survival backpack system of claim 2, further comprising a first mounting mechanism adjacent the bottom panel of the main bag, and a second mounting mechanism adjacent the top surface of the hip bag, so that the hip bag and the main bag may be removably joined together for both being worn by the user.
 4. A survival backpack system adapted to be worn on a user's back and shoulders, the survival backpack system comprising: a main bag having a proximal panel, a distal panel, separated by a pair of side panels, a top panel, and a bottom panel; a pair of shoulder straps attached to the main bag for mounting the main bag on the shoulders of the user; a plurality of gear packs, all the same size, and each containing a different type of survival gear; a plurality of gear compartments, each the slightly larger than each of the plurality of gear packs, each of the plurality of gear compartments being accessible through an opening in the top panel; a hydration pack; a hydration compartment accessible through an opening in the bottom panel, the hydration compartment being sized and shaped to receive the hydration pack therein; a plurality of bottom gear compartments, each accessible through an opening in the bottom panel; and additional survival gear adapted to be stowed in the plurality of bottom gear compartments. 